Veterans

California Community Colleges:
The smart choice for veterans.

If you are a veteran returning from active duty, the California Community Colleges can
give you an education that enhances your existing skills, provides you with new skills,
and puts you on the fast track to a rewarding job. That’s why California’s community
colleges are the state’s largest provider of affordable career training. They also offer associate degrees and prepare students for transfer to four-year universities.

Community colleges offer hundreds of opportunities in advanced manufacturing,
health care, information technology, renewable energy, biotechnology, manufacturing,
advanced transportation, police and fire science, and many other fields. They also offer
associate degrees and prepare students for transfer to four-year universities.

Before registering for classes, you are encouraged (or you may be required) to complete pre-enrollment activities that include orientation, assessment and meeting with an academic counselor to develop an education plan. A counselor can help you determine which educational or career path is right for you, and can tell you about any veterans support programs offered by their college.

How do I Pay for College

In addition to financial aid, you can also apply for veterans benefits.* To confirm your
eligibility status and apply for veterans benefits, visit gibill.va.gov. You
should apply to a community college that offers your program of interest before applying
for benefits. Veterans receive priority registration at any California community college
that administers a priority enrollment system.

Many California community colleges have Veterans Resource Centers where peer
mentors are available to assist new student veterans. There are other services available
as well, such as student veteran organizations and Boots to Books transition courses.
To find a Veterans Resource Center on a community college campus near you, visit
californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu and use the “Find a Community
College” feature.

If you are a recently discharged veteran who is currently unemployed or experienced
a decrease in income, be sure to check with your college financial aid office about a
change of income status when applying for financial aid.

* See chart.

Common Types of Veterans Benefits

Who May be Eligible

Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty)

Members who first entered active duty on or after 7/1/85 with at least a two-year enlistment.